By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has hosted a grand celebration to mark the 70th birthday of Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika, the Abia-born first Igbo officer to serve as Chief of Army Staff.
The colourful ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, coincided with the commissioning of two landmark infrastructure projects and attracted high-profile dignitaries, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and top military leaders, both serving and retired.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Ude, described Lt. Gen. Ihejirika as “a patriot, Pan-Nigerian, fine gentleman, and a courageous general” who served the nation with distinction as Chief of Army Staff during one of the most turbulent periods of the fight against insurgency.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Njoku Ukooha, the President noted that Lt. Gen. Ihejirika was the last service chief of Southeast extraction before his administration appointed Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla and, subsequently, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
“For the nation to surmount its security challenges, it behoves the leadership to engage the best hands from every part of the country,” President Tinubu declared.
He prayed that God would continue to grant the celebrant sound health so Nigeria could keep drawing from his rich fountain of experience and knowledge in the ongoing battle against insecurity.
Governor Otti, the host, said the celebration was deliberate, deliberately timed to coincide with the commissioning of the new Omenuko Bridge and the 30-kilometre Abam–Arochukwu Road.
“I want to thank General Ihejirika, a man we are very proud of. We intentionally wanted to celebrate his birthday with these landmark projects,” the governor said.
“We are celebrating him because he is a man who said no to the statutory treaty — what people had accepted. We appointed him Chairman of the Abia State Security Council on merit, and he is doing the job very well. If you are in doubt, go and check what has happened in this state in the last 32 months and compare it with what happened elsewhere.”
Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, described Ihejirika as a family friend and a perfect gentleman, commending his immense contributions to national development. He called on all Nigerians to support Governor Otti’s developmental efforts and President Tinubu’s leadership.
In separate goodwill messages, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; former Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammad Dambazau; and General Alex Ogomudia, among others, hailed Lt. Gen. Ihejirika as “a proud son of Igboland and a thoroughbred professional” worthy of national celebration.
Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), applauded Governor Otti for honouring the retired general and saluted Ihejirika’s outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s security.
In his vote of thanks, the celebrant, Lt. Gen. Ihejirika, thanked God for his life and recalled how he first developed interest in a military career. He paid special tribute to his mentors and colleagues, including General Ike Nwachukwu and General Christopher Musa, recounting memorable experiences from his distinguished service and returning all glory to God.
He particularly praised Governor Otti, noting that the governor’s achievements transcend physical infrastructure.
“When Governor Otti came on board, security personnel in Abia were owed seven months’ allowances. He cleared the arrears and has continued to maintain an excellent working relationship with all security agencies in the state,” Ihejirika said.
The event featured a thought-provoking lecture titled “The Role of Leadership in Strengthening National Security and Governance,” delivered by former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi.
Highlights also included the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant, flanked by his wife, Mrs. Nnenna Ihejirika, and guests, as well as colourful cultural displays.
The ceremony drew serving and retired military chiefs, the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, top Abia State government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, and a large delegation from Isuikwuato Local Government Area, among many other distinguished guests.
